01
Best overall pick
The Mustard Seed
Downtown Davis • Intimate Californian Bistro • Date-Night Classic
A longtime Davis favorite for seasonal, California-driven plates in a warm, brick-lined space.
Tucked just off the main drag downtown, The Mustard Seed feels like the cozy neighborhood bistro every college town hopes for but rarely gets. The menu leans on local produce and straightforward, well-executed classics—think perfectly cooked steaks, fresh fish, and thoughtful vegetarian plates. It’s the spot locals reserve for anniversaries, visiting parents, and any night when they want Davis to feel just a bit more grown-up.
02
Best casual hangout
Burgers & Brew
Downtown Core • Casual Craft-Burger Pub • Best For Burgers And Beer
Craft beers, creative burgers, and sidewalk seating make this the go-to downtown meet-up spot.
Burgers & Brew sits right in the middle of downtown, buzzing most nights with students, families, and cyclists rolling up for a pint. The menu covers the basics—juicy burgers, fries, and hearty salads—alongside more adventurous builds and solid vegetarian options. With a rotating tap list and plenty of outdoor tables, it’s an easy choice for a relaxed dinner that still feels distinctly Davis.
03
Most charming setting
Osteria Fasulo
Village Homes Neighborhood • Upscale Italian Osteria • Special-Occasion Splurge
A tucked-away Italian spot with a leafy patio and refined, housemade pastas.
Hidden in the eco-minded Village Homes development on the west side of town, Osteria Fasulo feels like stumbling onto a small trattoria on the outskirts of an Italian city. The kitchen turns out elegant pastas, seafood, and meat dishes with an eye toward balance rather than trend-chasing. The quiet garden patio and attentive service make it a favorite for proposals, graduations, and slow, lingering dinners away from the student bustle.
04
Best for sushi
Hikari Sushi & Omakase
E Street Plaza Area • Contemporary Sushi Bar • Sushi Lover’S Pick
A polished sushi bar where you can grab rolls with friends or settle in for an omakase splurge.
Just off the plaza, Hikari bridges the gap between casual sushi joint and serious fish counter. The regular menu covers familiar rolls and nigiri that are a cut above the usual, while the omakase bar gives the chef room to show off with more pristine cuts and composed bites. It’s where Davis residents head when they want fresh seafood and a slightly more elevated night out without driving into Sacramento.
05
Student favorite
Woodstock's Pizza Davis
Near Uc Davis Campus • Lively Student-Favorite Pizzeria • Late-Night Group Spot
A bustling pizza joint known for loaded pies, pitchers of beer, and big tables filled with students.
Woodstock’s sits right on the edge of campus life, and it feels that way—in the best sense—almost every night of the week. The pizzas lean hearty, with chewy crusts, generous toppings, and plenty of build-your-own flexibility for big groups. With TVs, trivia nights, and a crowd that often skews into the late evening, it’s where study groups turn into celebrations and visiting alumni inevitably end up for a slice.